Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Demanding a Fair Deal for Farmers – Nolan

Speaking in the Dáil, Sinn Féin TD Carol Nolan questioned
Health Minister Simon Harris on his promise to implement changes in January
2018 to the Fair Deal Scheme.

Deputy Nolan specifically referred to farmers and the
three-year cap on the time charge on farm assets:

“In light of the fact that farming families have waited so
long for these changes and are under great pressure, including in my
constituency of Offaly where many farming families have approached me and
lobbied me on this issue, it is only right that we introduce these changes as
quickly as possible.”

She then asked the Minister “How long will it take for the
changes to come into effect?” and urged the Government to take urgent action on
the issue.

In response, Minister Harris advised that the Minister of
State Jim Daly has been working very closely with the IFA on the matter and all
were in agreement that “there needs to be greater equity and fairness for
farming families and small business owners in the Fair Deal scheme”.

Minister Harris indicated that he expects to have definitive
proposals to put before the Oireachtas soon, which will require the
co-operation of all the Members to pass into legislation as quickly as
possible. Minister Harris finished by stating “We will have news on this very
shortly”.